Customize the process to your product
Work with us to create innovative, sustainable plastic packaging that’s molded to perfection.
Depending on the resin material, there are several manufacturing processes that can be used in the production of plastic. Graham is a leading expert in the manufacturing of PET and polyolefin containers, through processes such as extrusion blow molding and stretch blow molding.
Based on your product, its application and your production needs, we can help you choose the best process for you. All of our processes produce high-quality, cost-effective plastic packaging and are taken through a thorough leak detection and quality vision system inspection, and every bottle is date coded. Plus, no matter which process you choose, you'll have access to our sustainable packaging options, including lightweighting, recyclability and PCR content.
Have a question about which process and material is best for you? Get in touch with our experts.
Polyolefin
Rotary Blow Molding
In this process, a tube of polyolefin material is extruded through a die and blown into a mold to form a bottle. This happens continuously on a wheel, making it great for high-volume and high-output production. It can be made in either mono or multilayer configurations and can include barriers, PCR, color and regrind.
Graham’s portfolio of blow molding machines is capable of running a broad range of bottle quantities to meet your desired production volumes. We can couple the blow molding process with all of the necessary equipment and processes for decoration, post-mold finishing and shipment needs to deliver a premium package that meets all your requirements.
Polyolefin
Shuttle Blow Molding
In this process, multiple tubes of polyolefin material are extruded through a tool. They are then cut and blown into a mold to form a bottle. Shuttle machines are typically used for shorter run lengths or bottles where the neck geometry requires a more controlled forming process.
We are able to combine the blow-molding process with all of the equipment and processes you need for decoration, post-mold finishing and shipment. Plus, our machines are able to be sized to meet desired production volumes and flexibility.
PET
Injection Molding – Preforms
In this process, PET plastic is injected into a mold to form a preform. This includes the neck finish (threads of the bottle) and is shaped like a test tube. Preforms can be made in either mono or multilayer configurations and can include barriers, PCR, color and regrind. Graham can use its high-performance preforms in its two-stage, reheat and blow platform, or they can be sold to customers for self-manufacturing of bottles. This process tends to be used for higher volumes of preforms and bottles.
PET
Two-Stage Reheat and Blow
In this process, the previously made preform is precisely reheated in the machine, stretched downward through the neck finish opening with a core rod and then blown into the desired bottle shape. These machines are used to form bottles for higher volume outputs and can be used in on-site manufacturing to achieve the filling line speeds you need for faster, high-performance production.
PET
Injection Stretch Blow Molding
This single-stage blow molding process combines preform injection molding and the stretching and blowing of the preform into a bottle on one machine. It uses the latent heat from the injection process, along with additional conditioning, to prepare the preform to be blown into a bottle.
Using the single-stage process, we can create blemish-free, customizable bottles in a compact and flexible footprint. This process also gives us more control over preform handling and is most often used for low volume production, small-sized containers and some wide-mouth applications.
